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Suffering is Never for Nothing
Hard times come for all in life, with no real explanation. When we walk through suffering, it has the potential to devastate and destroy, or to be the gateway to gratitude and joy.
Elisabeth Elliot was no stranger to suffering. Her first husband, Jim, was murdered by the Waorani people in Ecuador moments after he arrived in hopes of sharing the gospel. Her second husband was lost to cancer. Yet, it was in her deepest suffering that she learned the deepest lessons about God.
Why doesn't God do something about suffering? He has, He did, He is, and He will.
Suffering and love are inexplicably linked, as God's love for His people is evidenced in His sending Jesus to carry our sins, griefs, and sufferings on the cross, sacrificially taking what was not His on Himself so that we would not be required to carry it. He has walked the ultimate path of suffering, and He has won victory on our behalf.
This truth led Elisabeth to say, "Whatever is in the cup that God is offering to me, whether it be pain and sorrow and suffering and grief along with the many more joys, I'm willing to take it because I trust Him."
Because suffering is never for nothing.
Elisabeth Elliot was no stranger to suffering. Her first husband, Jim, was murdered by the Waorani people in Ecuador moments after he arrived in hopes of sharing the gospel. Her second husband was lost to cancer. Yet, it was in her deepest suffering that she learned the deepest lessons about God.
Why doesn't God do something about suffering? He has, He did, He is, and He will.
Suffering and love are inexplicably linked, as God's love for His people is evidenced in His sending Jesus to carry our sins, griefs, and sufferings on the cross, sacrificially taking what was not His on Himself so that we would not be required to carry it. He has walked the ultimate path of suffering, and He has won victory on our behalf.
This truth led Elisabeth to say, "Whatever is in the cup that God is offering to me, whether it be pain and sorrow and suffering and grief along with the many more joys, I'm willing to take it because I trust Him."
Because suffering is never for nothing.
108 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2019
780 people are currently reading
11688 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Elliot
171 books2,215 followersFrom the Author's Web Site: My parents were missionaries in Belgium where I was born. When I was a few months old, we came to the U.S. and lived in Germantown, not far from Philadelphia, where my father became an editor of the Sunday School Times. Some of my contemporaries may remember the publication which was used by hundreds of churches for their weekly unified Sunday School teaching materials.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,014 reviews
July 7, 2021
I imagine all Christians suffer at one time or another and some carry deep sorrows. This book seems like it could be on auto play in my life to remind me that all shall be well and most especially that we live and move in Christ for his kingdom.
June 21, 2024
Suffering is Never For Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot - 5 Stars
"The deepest things that I have learned in my own life have come from the deepest suffering. And out of the deepest waters and the hottest fires have come the deepest things that I know about God."
This is a book I needed at such a time in my life when my husband and I are struggling with navigating through the world of special needs parenting for our 5 year old son, among several other things. This is a profound and deeply moving exploration at the nature of suffering, viewed in a lens from the Christian faith. This book is a compilation of Elliot's talks and is filled with her life experiences through suffering and how God was still good through it all.
This is personal, authentic, theologically deep and filled with hope and encouragement. I fully believe this is a timeless and invaluable resource for anyone grappling with the realities of suffering. Elliot's insights, coupled with her personal experiences, make this book a powerful reminder that through faith in Jesus, suffering can be transformed into a meaningful and redemptive experience.
We see the reality of suffering, the purpose, the response and the redemption. I needed this book and believe so many of you will be ministered by it as well. Highly recommend.
"God never wastes pain. He always uses it to accomplish His purpose. And His purpose is for His glory and our good."
"The deepest things that I have learned in my own life have come from the deepest suffering. And out of the deepest waters and the hottest fires have come the deepest things that I know about God."
This is a book I needed at such a time in my life when my husband and I are struggling with navigating through the world of special needs parenting for our 5 year old son, among several other things. This is a profound and deeply moving exploration at the nature of suffering, viewed in a lens from the Christian faith. This book is a compilation of Elliot's talks and is filled with her life experiences through suffering and how God was still good through it all.
This is personal, authentic, theologically deep and filled with hope and encouragement. I fully believe this is a timeless and invaluable resource for anyone grappling with the realities of suffering. Elliot's insights, coupled with her personal experiences, make this book a powerful reminder that through faith in Jesus, suffering can be transformed into a meaningful and redemptive experience.
We see the reality of suffering, the purpose, the response and the redemption. I needed this book and believe so many of you will be ministered by it as well. Highly recommend.
"God never wastes pain. He always uses it to accomplish His purpose. And His purpose is for His glory and our good."
April 20, 2019
Okay, this. was. SO. good! One of the best books I've read this year... and I've read a lot of good books this year. Elisabeth Elliot shares such profound, basic truths on such difficult topics with amazing simplicity and eloquence. I needed that. I needed this grounding truth in the midst of so much confusion. Even the questions and struggles Mrs. Elliot shared were so helpful because of how relatable they were. I thought I was the only one! But if this amazing woman of faith struggled with them too, then maybe I should stop doubting myself and just focus on God.
I want to share so many quotes here, but I think I highlighted about 50% of the book, sooo... it's too hard to choose. Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend this to... well, everyone.
I want to share so many quotes here, but I think I highlighted about 50% of the book, sooo... it's too hard to choose. Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend this to... well, everyone.
May 23, 2021
Somehow I found this title at just the right time. This book has been on repeat the last three weeks. While Elisabeth knew "a measure" of suffering, she is always careful to say that she does not know your suffering, nor mine. Her message is simple, but she does not truck in platitudes.
I remember an article in WORLD magazine about Elisabeth's decline into dementia. When the interviewer asked her if she found peace in acceptance, even in this debilitating disease, the woman who spent her life teaching so many was only physically able to nod her agreement.
She includes two sayings that are so often associated with her:
Do the next thing and My life for yours. (the latter originated, I think, from her brother Thomas Howard)
Here are two more sentences which describe acceptance and gratitude.
I will say: Yes, Lord.
I will say: Thank you, Lord.
I remember an article in WORLD magazine about Elisabeth's decline into dementia. When the interviewer asked her if she found peace in acceptance, even in this debilitating disease, the woman who spent her life teaching so many was only physically able to nod her agreement.
She includes two sayings that are so often associated with her:
Do the next thing and My life for yours. (the latter originated, I think, from her brother Thomas Howard)
Here are two more sentences which describe acceptance and gratitude.
I will say: Yes, Lord.
I will say: Thank you, Lord.
August 5, 2024
4 stars
A short, yet powerful read.
A short, yet powerful read.
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Pam Ward
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Non-fiction
Length: 3h 13m
February 18, 2025
In this small but very powerful book, Elisabeth Elliot takes the topic of suffering and places the focus and attention on God and Scripture in such a beautiful, relatable, and practical way. She doesn’t act as though she has all of the answers or that she can understand other individuals’ struggles; she truly provides relatable and useful information that leads back to Christ, where I found it to be so incredibly uplifting and encouraging.
While suffering from something big or small, the challenges arise when it seems as though things aren’t going to improve, our prayers aren’t being answered as we envisioned them, or there appears to be no end in sight when it comes to our suffering. It can be easy to build up frustration and anger and even question God. Elisabeth turns the script and shows through the use of her personal experiences and Scripture that we can rest in the knowledge that God is in complete control, and He has a bigger plan and loving purpose for every one of us. While suffering, God can teach the most valuable lessons, where Elliott touches on faith, gratefulness, acceptance, and redemption.
I found this book to be so incredibly encouraging at a time in my life when I was struggling. I re-read portions of this book often and find comfort in knowing and reminding myself that God is present with us in our suffering, we aren’t alone, and through God, he can transform anything such as our suffering into something good because... 𝐒𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.
I think this is a book everyone should read!💛
While suffering from something big or small, the challenges arise when it seems as though things aren’t going to improve, our prayers aren’t being answered as we envisioned them, or there appears to be no end in sight when it comes to our suffering. It can be easy to build up frustration and anger and even question God. Elisabeth turns the script and shows through the use of her personal experiences and Scripture that we can rest in the knowledge that God is in complete control, and He has a bigger plan and loving purpose for every one of us. While suffering, God can teach the most valuable lessons, where Elliott touches on faith, gratefulness, acceptance, and redemption.
I found this book to be so incredibly encouraging at a time in my life when I was struggling. I re-read portions of this book often and find comfort in knowing and reminding myself that God is present with us in our suffering, we aren’t alone, and through God, he can transform anything such as our suffering into something good because... 𝐒𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.
I think this is a book everyone should read!💛
November 14, 2022
If I could give this 5 million stars, I would. A powerful punch in 105 pages. All Christians should read this.
January 22, 2021
Everyone should read it at least once.
July 21, 2023
"There have been some hard things in my life, of course, as there have been in yours, and I can not say to you, I know exactly what you’re going through. But I can say that I know the One who knows. And I’ve come to see that it’s through the deepest suffering that God has taught me the deepest lessons. And if we’ll trust Him for it, we can come through to the unshakable assurance that He’s in charge. He has a loving purpose. And He can transform something terrible into something wonderful. Suffering is never for nothing."
Whew! Ya'll, one, this woman went through some things in her lifetime. Modern day Job if you ask me. Second, I learned sooooo many great things I can apply, and she confirmed many things I've already been applying without knowing as I continue to lean on the Lord in my life. I highly recommend it!
Whew! Ya'll, one, this woman went through some things in her lifetime. Modern day Job if you ask me. Second, I learned sooooo many great things I can apply, and she confirmed many things I've already been applying without knowing as I continue to lean on the Lord in my life. I highly recommend it!
April 30, 2022
I listened to this book on Hoopla. It had been a long time since I had read something by Elisabeth Elliot but I have really appreciated her writing in the past, especially These Strange Ashes. I had mixed feelings about this book. It started as a talk/series she gave and after her death it was written almost verbatim as a book. However, that part worked much better than I would have expected. I don't think I would have realized that if they had not said it in the foreword.
It was her advice to sufferers that I had mixed feelings about. She is famous for her simple lesson Do the next thing. I have quoted that to myself many times and found it helpful. But hearing it in this context made me think of the limitations of that teaching. It seems one-sided. I think the Bible would teach us that there is a time to do the next thing and a time to sit down and cry.
This one-sidedness struck me especially when she talked about how after Jim's death, she had to do both her work and his in the midst of her grief and loss. Her mother-in-law wrote her a letter that was concerned that she may have a breakdown if she continued. Elisabeth treated this letter as showing a lack of faith and that she knew God could get her through it. I think it was probably wise advice. Elisabeth was a particularly hardy, strong willed woman. She did make it through, but I think may women would been crushed under such a load so I am concerned that others following her example and teaching may be hurt by it.
It's interesting that the comfort the Bible gives us in our humanity isn't that God transforms our frame into something superhuman, but that he knows the weakness of our frame and pities it. As much good teaching as this book had, I felt that it was lacking this side of things.
Do the next thing, but also realize that in some seasons you may not be able to do as many next things as you can in other seasons. And sometimes, the next thing to do may be to cry. Our Savior didn't begrudge the time to cry at Lazarus' grave. Jesus wept is the shortest verse in the Bible but who knows how long that weeping lasted. Long enough to make an impression on those who saw him.
It was her advice to sufferers that I had mixed feelings about. She is famous for her simple lesson Do the next thing. I have quoted that to myself many times and found it helpful. But hearing it in this context made me think of the limitations of that teaching. It seems one-sided. I think the Bible would teach us that there is a time to do the next thing and a time to sit down and cry.
This one-sidedness struck me especially when she talked about how after Jim's death, she had to do both her work and his in the midst of her grief and loss. Her mother-in-law wrote her a letter that was concerned that she may have a breakdown if she continued. Elisabeth treated this letter as showing a lack of faith and that she knew God could get her through it. I think it was probably wise advice. Elisabeth was a particularly hardy, strong willed woman. She did make it through, but I think may women would been crushed under such a load so I am concerned that others following her example and teaching may be hurt by it.
It's interesting that the comfort the Bible gives us in our humanity isn't that God transforms our frame into something superhuman, but that he knows the weakness of our frame and pities it. As much good teaching as this book had, I felt that it was lacking this side of things.
Do the next thing, but also realize that in some seasons you may not be able to do as many next things as you can in other seasons. And sometimes, the next thing to do may be to cry. Our Savior didn't begrudge the time to cry at Lazarus' grave. Jesus wept is the shortest verse in the Bible but who knows how long that weeping lasted. Long enough to make an impression on those who saw him.
February 20, 2019
3.5 out of 5 stars.
This is a new release of a series of talks Elisabeth Elliot once gave. Because of that, it reads a little differently than a regular book on the topic of suffering, but the nuggets of truth are wonderful. It is a gorgeous book that would make a thoughtful and helpful gift to someone who is walking through a trial, grieving a death, or tired of the struggle.
Some great quotes:
"If I can thank God for this very thing which is killing me, I can begin dimly and faintly to see it as a gift. I can realize that it is through that very thing which is so far from being the thing I would have chosen, that God wants to teach me His way of salvation."
"Whatever is in the cup that God is offering to me, whether it be pain and sorrow and suffering and grief along with the many more joys, I'm willing to take it because I trust Him."
"Faith is not a feeling. Faith is a willed obedience action."
"Christ leads me through no darker rooms that He went through before. -Richard Baxter"
This is a new release of a series of talks Elisabeth Elliot once gave. Because of that, it reads a little differently than a regular book on the topic of suffering, but the nuggets of truth are wonderful. It is a gorgeous book that would make a thoughtful and helpful gift to someone who is walking through a trial, grieving a death, or tired of the struggle.
Some great quotes:
"If I can thank God for this very thing which is killing me, I can begin dimly and faintly to see it as a gift. I can realize that it is through that very thing which is so far from being the thing I would have chosen, that God wants to teach me His way of salvation."
"Whatever is in the cup that God is offering to me, whether it be pain and sorrow and suffering and grief along with the many more joys, I'm willing to take it because I trust Him."
"Faith is not a feeling. Faith is a willed obedience action."
"Christ leads me through no darker rooms that He went through before. -Richard Baxter"
January 15, 2023
This book. 🤍
I listened to it on audio last year after my miscarriage because I was wanting to make sense of all the pain. But I wanted to actually read it physically. And it was just so so good again. I highlighted something on almost every page. Elizabeth has so much wisdom ... and it’s all because of the work that Jesus did in her heart. This book is a must read. It puts our struggles and sufferings into the right perspective.
Our suffering is never for nothing. And God is always faithful through it all.
I listened to it on audio last year after my miscarriage because I was wanting to make sense of all the pain. But I wanted to actually read it physically. And it was just so so good again. I highlighted something on almost every page. Elizabeth has so much wisdom ... and it’s all because of the work that Jesus did in her heart. This book is a must read. It puts our struggles and sufferings into the right perspective.
Our suffering is never for nothing. And God is always faithful through it all.
August 13, 2024
"I give Him my deaths and He gives me His life. My sorrows, He gives me joy. My losses, He gives me His gains. This is the great principle of the cross."
Absolutely outstanding and soul-filling!! I can definitely see myself continuing to devour and grow from anything and all things Elisabeth Elliot. This was a shorter read, but so full of wisdom and truth. Broken down over six chapters, Elisabeth's biblically-backed principles on suffering and the gifts of it are so encouraging and enlightening.
Like many things in Christianity, the why behind suffering is a mystery, but when we focus on God's character and Scripture, we see that the greatest joys and God's love come from the greatest suffering: most evident in the cross itself. Elisabeth's words were calls to accept suffering as a gift with gratitude and as an offering to others and back to God as we are gradually transfigured and refined in His perfect grace. Something that seems so outlandish and non-sensical to human nature is rather the very foundation and brightest light and truest gateway to joy.
It can be, and oftentimes is, hard living in a fallen world, but we are promised a refuge in Christ and the hope of eternity along with being provided with Scripture and great testimonies and works such as this to forge ahead. We are never supposed to see the whole story, but we can trust that the Master Author is working everything together for the good of us, others, and eternity. What a comfort! A great example of how lives before us testify of His goodness and promises years after and a no-nonsense truth bomb and exhortation to obedience, Suffering is Never for Nothing is such a timely read for a world full of suffering to be reminded of an eternal Hope and Solace.
❤ Psalm 91:1-2, 4-5: Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
Absolutely outstanding and soul-filling!! I can definitely see myself continuing to devour and grow from anything and all things Elisabeth Elliot. This was a shorter read, but so full of wisdom and truth. Broken down over six chapters, Elisabeth's biblically-backed principles on suffering and the gifts of it are so encouraging and enlightening.
Like many things in Christianity, the why behind suffering is a mystery, but when we focus on God's character and Scripture, we see that the greatest joys and God's love come from the greatest suffering: most evident in the cross itself. Elisabeth's words were calls to accept suffering as a gift with gratitude and as an offering to others and back to God as we are gradually transfigured and refined in His perfect grace. Something that seems so outlandish and non-sensical to human nature is rather the very foundation and brightest light and truest gateway to joy.
It can be, and oftentimes is, hard living in a fallen world, but we are promised a refuge in Christ and the hope of eternity along with being provided with Scripture and great testimonies and works such as this to forge ahead. We are never supposed to see the whole story, but we can trust that the Master Author is working everything together for the good of us, others, and eternity. What a comfort! A great example of how lives before us testify of His goodness and promises years after and a no-nonsense truth bomb and exhortation to obedience, Suffering is Never for Nothing is such a timely read for a world full of suffering to be reminded of an eternal Hope and Solace.
❤ Psalm 91:1-2, 4-5: Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
October 7, 2024
The Weaver”
“My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weaveth steadily.
Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.
Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned
He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.
Grant Colfax Tullar
This will undoubtedly be the best book I’ll read this year. “Everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. Suffering is never for nothing”.
“My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weaveth steadily.
Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.
Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned
He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.
Grant Colfax Tullar
This will undoubtedly be the best book I’ll read this year. “Everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. Suffering is never for nothing”.
August 25, 2019
“There is, in fact, no redemptive work done anywhere without suffering.”
“Just start thanking God in advance because no matter what is about to happen, you already know that God is in charge. You are not adrift in a sea of chaos.”
“We need Jesus Christ, our refuge, our fortress, the stronghold of my life. It takes desolation to teach us our need of Him.”
“Whatever is in the cup that God is offering to me, whether it be pain and sorrow and suffering and grief along with the many more joys, I’m willing to take it because I trust Him.”
“Just start thanking God in advance because no matter what is about to happen, you already know that God is in charge. You are not adrift in a sea of chaos.”
“We need Jesus Christ, our refuge, our fortress, the stronghold of my life. It takes desolation to teach us our need of Him.”
“Whatever is in the cup that God is offering to me, whether it be pain and sorrow and suffering and grief along with the many more joys, I’m willing to take it because I trust Him.”
July 3, 2021
I read this together with my adult daughter, who is suffering from long-haul covid. The chapters are transcripts of messages Elisabeth had once delivered to live audiences, and I could almost hear her voice as I read, being familiar with her broadcasts and messages in days gone by.
Elisabeth is a "no nonsense" kind of woman; she spends no time commiserating with misery or sugar coating its value. Although she makes reference to her own substantial sufferings, her authority is drawn from the scriptures rather than from her personal experiences. She does refer to her experiences when appropriate, so that her humanity is felt, but her uncompromising faith in God and His Word is the strength of her teaching.
She speaks of acceptance, of God being present with us IN suffering, of finding gratefulness in the midst of suffering. And--- most helpful to me--- the fact that our brokenness in suffering can be a means by which we benefit others.
If you crave the wisdom of an older woman, making friends with Elisabeth Elliot will be soul-satisfying.
Elisabeth is a "no nonsense" kind of woman; she spends no time commiserating with misery or sugar coating its value. Although she makes reference to her own substantial sufferings, her authority is drawn from the scriptures rather than from her personal experiences. She does refer to her experiences when appropriate, so that her humanity is felt, but her uncompromising faith in God and His Word is the strength of her teaching.
She speaks of acceptance, of God being present with us IN suffering, of finding gratefulness in the midst of suffering. And--- most helpful to me--- the fact that our brokenness in suffering can be a means by which we benefit others.
If you crave the wisdom of an older woman, making friends with Elisabeth Elliot will be soul-satisfying.
May 3, 2025
This is the best Elisabeth Elliot book I have ever read, and possibly the best book on suffering. Highly, highly reccomended.
May 10, 2021
"Sofrimento é ter o que você não deseja, ou desejar o que você não tem" Elisabeth Elliot
November 25, 2023
Anything I would say wouldn’t do this book justice. Read it and you’ll know why.
Some quotes I loved:
“Do the next thing”
““Ps 34:1 ‘I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.’ Now that’s a willed, conscious, deliberate obedience, isn’t it? I will bless the Lord- regardless of what’s happening around here because there is that other level- that other perspective- a different vision. The visible things are transitory. It is the invisible things that are really permanent.”
“Good and peaceful all day. Those were my feelings. Good and peaceful. Does that make any sense from any other standpoint except the perspective of eternity? It can possibly make sense to anybody else. That’s why it isn’t explanations that we need. It’s a Person. We need Jesus Christ. Our refuge. Our fortress. The stronghold of my life. It takes desolation to teach us our need of Him.”
Some quotes I loved:
“Do the next thing”
““Ps 34:1 ‘I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.’ Now that’s a willed, conscious, deliberate obedience, isn’t it? I will bless the Lord- regardless of what’s happening around here because there is that other level- that other perspective- a different vision. The visible things are transitory. It is the invisible things that are really permanent.”
“Good and peaceful all day. Those were my feelings. Good and peaceful. Does that make any sense from any other standpoint except the perspective of eternity? It can possibly make sense to anybody else. That’s why it isn’t explanations that we need. It’s a Person. We need Jesus Christ. Our refuge. Our fortress. The stronghold of my life. It takes desolation to teach us our need of Him.”
November 10, 2023
May I be so bold to say? This quite possible could be the best book I’ve ever read. At the very least, one of the most impactful.
In this book, Elisabeth Elliot defines “suffering” in a way that makes it accessible to both those who have seemingly “been through a lot” and those who may think they haven’t — “Suffering is having what you don’t want or wanting what you don’t have.”
Elliot simplifies suffering to make it accessible to all, but she certainly doesn’t make it seem like an easy thing to deal with. Although never easy, her push to readers is to always lay our suffering on the altar, offer it back to God, and obey Him no matter how difficult it be. Our most valuable form of worship is our lives laid down as a sacrifice of obedience.
This book rocked my world. You can just tell Elisabeth Elliot knows what she is talking about because she has lived it out. I hope to follow her in my attitude for every suffering that may come my way from here on out.
If you made it this far in reading this review — go ahead and stop scrolling through Goodreads and just buy the book and read it for yourself.
In this book, Elisabeth Elliot defines “suffering” in a way that makes it accessible to both those who have seemingly “been through a lot” and those who may think they haven’t — “Suffering is having what you don’t want or wanting what you don’t have.”
Elliot simplifies suffering to make it accessible to all, but she certainly doesn’t make it seem like an easy thing to deal with. Although never easy, her push to readers is to always lay our suffering on the altar, offer it back to God, and obey Him no matter how difficult it be. Our most valuable form of worship is our lives laid down as a sacrifice of obedience.
This book rocked my world. You can just tell Elisabeth Elliot knows what she is talking about because she has lived it out. I hope to follow her in my attitude for every suffering that may come my way from here on out.
If you made it this far in reading this review — go ahead and stop scrolling through Goodreads and just buy the book and read it for yourself.
April 11, 2019
Elisabeth Elliot offers the most durable definition for suffering I’ve ever heard:
Suffering is Having What You Don’t Want —
This covers everything from cancer to a flat tire.
Or Wanting What You Don’t Have —
A spouse, a child, a new job.
Life on a fallen planet includes suffering of all types and intensities, and it’s one thing to have a snappy definition for it, but what about a theology of suffering?
What does God have to do with our pain?
Are there lessons to be learned or is suffering just a thing to be gotten through so we can continue with the business of life?
And what about suffering in the life of the believer? It’s clear we’re not offered immunity or exemption from the world’s woes, but search the internet for five minutes and you’ll find teachers who would say otherwise and support their claims with Scripture.
In her long career as an author and speaker, Elisabeth Elliot lingered long on the topic of suffering. Widowed as a young mother, committed to a missionary calling, widowed again in middle age, and then, finally, subjected to the indignity and disappointment of dementia at the end of her life, Elisabeth spoke from experience, but more than that, she spoke from a sinewy faith that God does not abandon us in the midst of our pain.
Published nearly four years after her death, Suffering Is Never for Nothing has been adapted from a six-part series Elisabeth taught and which was recorded on CD at a small conference. Readers familiar with Elliot’s message will recognize her voice in the printed page as she asserts that it has been through “the deepest suffering that God has taught the deepest lessons.” (1) “And let’s never forget,” she continues, “that if we don’t ever want to suffer, we must be very careful never to love anything or anybody.” (9)
“In Acceptance Lieth Peace”
Beginning with lessons drawn from the life of Job, Elisabeth Elliot challenged believers to rejoice in the possibility of presenting our “whys?” to God, and to be ready to receive God’s answer in the form of His presence with us in our misery–the answer we need more than any other we might have sought.
Then, taking her cues from her lifelong mentor, Amy Carmichael who said, “In acceptance lieth peace,” Elisabeth shared that leaning into what she knew about the character of God released her from the notion that when we suffer, we are “adrift in chaos.” (44) By doing the next thing, giving up our notions that we deserve a happy ending, and then saying “yes” to God, we are empowered to take the cup of suffering that God offers, in faith that He knows the end of the story.
While it seems ironic (or even masochistic) to thank God for suffering, that is exactly the advice Elisabeth offers. We do this, trusting the wisdom of the Giver who knows and attends to what we need; and we give thanks because it honors God. During her second husband’s battle with cancer, God gave Elisabeth a testing ground for putting all her theories into practice, challenging her in regard to their shared suffering to:
Recognize it;
Accept it;
Offer it to God as a sacrifice;
Offer yourself with it.
Deliverance in Suffering
While it makes for a much better story line for someone to be delivered or rescued out of their suffering, the truth is that often God chooses to save His people in or through their trials. The psalmist outlines this miracle:
“He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me; to him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God!” (Psalm 50:23 RSV)
Suffering sets the table for salvation.
Receiving the gift of suffering is the first step. Offering it back to God is the next step, and it’s an act of total obedience–the highest form of worship. Loneliness, sorrow, loss, or weakness of any kind can be offered back to God like a bouquet of smashed dandelions in the clenched fist of a tiny two year old. “It means everything in the world because love transforms it.” (83)
The paradox of suffering linked to glory is a theme that runs through Elisabeth’s writing and teaching because it runs through Scripture. “The wilderness into pasture. Deserts into springs. Perishable into imperishable. Weakness into power. Humiliation into glory. Poverty into riches. Mortality into immortality.” (104)
A biblical theology of suffering finds God there in the midst of the pain, always present, always active, as He makes beauty from ashes, because our suffering is never for nothing.
Many thanks to B&H Books for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
Suffering is Having What You Don’t Want —
This covers everything from cancer to a flat tire.
Or Wanting What You Don’t Have —
A spouse, a child, a new job.
Life on a fallen planet includes suffering of all types and intensities, and it’s one thing to have a snappy definition for it, but what about a theology of suffering?
What does God have to do with our pain?
Are there lessons to be learned or is suffering just a thing to be gotten through so we can continue with the business of life?
And what about suffering in the life of the believer? It’s clear we’re not offered immunity or exemption from the world’s woes, but search the internet for five minutes and you’ll find teachers who would say otherwise and support their claims with Scripture.
In her long career as an author and speaker, Elisabeth Elliot lingered long on the topic of suffering. Widowed as a young mother, committed to a missionary calling, widowed again in middle age, and then, finally, subjected to the indignity and disappointment of dementia at the end of her life, Elisabeth spoke from experience, but more than that, she spoke from a sinewy faith that God does not abandon us in the midst of our pain.
Published nearly four years after her death, Suffering Is Never for Nothing has been adapted from a six-part series Elisabeth taught and which was recorded on CD at a small conference. Readers familiar with Elliot’s message will recognize her voice in the printed page as she asserts that it has been through “the deepest suffering that God has taught the deepest lessons.” (1) “And let’s never forget,” she continues, “that if we don’t ever want to suffer, we must be very careful never to love anything or anybody.” (9)
“In Acceptance Lieth Peace”
Beginning with lessons drawn from the life of Job, Elisabeth Elliot challenged believers to rejoice in the possibility of presenting our “whys?” to God, and to be ready to receive God’s answer in the form of His presence with us in our misery–the answer we need more than any other we might have sought.
Then, taking her cues from her lifelong mentor, Amy Carmichael who said, “In acceptance lieth peace,” Elisabeth shared that leaning into what she knew about the character of God released her from the notion that when we suffer, we are “adrift in chaos.” (44) By doing the next thing, giving up our notions that we deserve a happy ending, and then saying “yes” to God, we are empowered to take the cup of suffering that God offers, in faith that He knows the end of the story.
While it seems ironic (or even masochistic) to thank God for suffering, that is exactly the advice Elisabeth offers. We do this, trusting the wisdom of the Giver who knows and attends to what we need; and we give thanks because it honors God. During her second husband’s battle with cancer, God gave Elisabeth a testing ground for putting all her theories into practice, challenging her in regard to their shared suffering to:
Recognize it;
Accept it;
Offer it to God as a sacrifice;
Offer yourself with it.
Deliverance in Suffering
While it makes for a much better story line for someone to be delivered or rescued out of their suffering, the truth is that often God chooses to save His people in or through their trials. The psalmist outlines this miracle:
“He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me; to him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God!” (Psalm 50:23 RSV)
Suffering sets the table for salvation.
Receiving the gift of suffering is the first step. Offering it back to God is the next step, and it’s an act of total obedience–the highest form of worship. Loneliness, sorrow, loss, or weakness of any kind can be offered back to God like a bouquet of smashed dandelions in the clenched fist of a tiny two year old. “It means everything in the world because love transforms it.” (83)
The paradox of suffering linked to glory is a theme that runs through Elisabeth’s writing and teaching because it runs through Scripture. “The wilderness into pasture. Deserts into springs. Perishable into imperishable. Weakness into power. Humiliation into glory. Poverty into riches. Mortality into immortality.” (104)
A biblical theology of suffering finds God there in the midst of the pain, always present, always active, as He makes beauty from ashes, because our suffering is never for nothing.
Many thanks to B&H Books for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
February 22, 2024
I did it! I finished a “Christian living” or whatever this genre is book! 4/5 iconic, amazing, beautiful, stunning! So many good truths to remember! I also decided I want a little cross stitch of this poem “The weaver”
February 24, 2022
One does not enter into a topic like this which inspired scripture covers abundantly and nearly inspired sages like CS Lewis also approach, in order to save what is five star original. Nevertheless, as it integrates with what I know of this author‘s life, and as she says what she says with an admirable combination of discipline and empathy, I would highly recommend the book. She hold my attention for as long as she asks for it.
July 17, 2021
I needed this one. Started weeping almost as soon as I started it. I'm not quite sure exactly why, but I think it was her deliberate choice to define suffering without any view to scale. There was never a hint of "That's not a big enough problem to count as real suffering." I think that just gave me permission to let my guard down, to not be afraid I was going to be smacked and told to shut up. Everything else was principles that could be applied to any degree of hardship. There's just much more hope of solving a problem if one acknowledges that there is a problem and then correctly identifies its nature.
I think the only quibble I had was about giving thanks for and not just in all things. But it is a small quibble, as I know EE was a more humble, submissive, useful, and grateful servant of Christ than I am ever like to be.
Side note: Gateway to Joy went off the air in 2001, which was maybe a year or so after I'd started imbibing things brewed in Moscow. I remember thinking early on that Nancy Wilson would be a quite satisfactory replacement. Twenty years on, she's certainly proved to be that and more!
I want to listen to this again soon, but I want to track down the original lectures. I didn't care for the narrator.
I think the only quibble I had was about giving thanks for and not just in all things. But it is a small quibble, as I know EE was a more humble, submissive, useful, and grateful servant of Christ than I am ever like to be.
Side note: Gateway to Joy went off the air in 2001, which was maybe a year or so after I'd started imbibing things brewed in Moscow. I remember thinking early on that Nancy Wilson would be a quite satisfactory replacement. Twenty years on, she's certainly proved to be that and more!
I want to listen to this again soon, but I want to track down the original lectures. I didn't care for the narrator.
August 14, 2024
I didn’t know if this book would be applicable for me because I would say I have yet to face deep suffering in my life. However, after reading it I would say anyone would be blessed by this little book.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the chapter titled “Offering”— when we offer our suffering back to God, He uses our suffering to feed the world. Instead of just fixing our problems so that we in a moment feel fed and happy, He leads us through suffering and uses it to transform us so that our story has the ability to bless others— to feed them.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the chapter titled “Offering”— when we offer our suffering back to God, He uses our suffering to feed the world. Instead of just fixing our problems so that we in a moment feel fed and happy, He leads us through suffering and uses it to transform us so that our story has the ability to bless others— to feed them.
March 20, 2024
I don’t usually take the time to write reviews, but this particular book is worth my taking a few extra minutes to do so.
My perspective of “Suffering is Never for Nothing” in a nutshell? Absolutely life-changing.
In my opinion, it is worthy of more than five stars.
This book helped me pinpoint the true definition of suffering and the glorious opportunities it poses:
*Suffering places me in a position to gain a greater view of my God, His love, and His character.
* Suffering gives me the opportunity and privilege to offer my unique sufferings to God as a offering of love.
“There is, in fact, no redemptive work done anywhere without suffering.”
My perspective of “Suffering is Never for Nothing” in a nutshell? Absolutely life-changing.
In my opinion, it is worthy of more than five stars.
This book helped me pinpoint the true definition of suffering and the glorious opportunities it poses:
*Suffering places me in a position to gain a greater view of my God, His love, and His character.
* Suffering gives me the opportunity and privilege to offer my unique sufferings to God as a offering of love.
“There is, in fact, no redemptive work done anywhere without suffering.”
February 18, 2025
“It isn’t explanations that we need: it’s a Person. We need Jesus Christ. Our refuge, our fortress, the stronghold of my life. It takes desolation to teach us our need of Him.”
March 7, 2022
Elisabeth Elliot is absolutely no nonsense, a bit like freezing water splashed on your face a little too early in the morning. I disagree with her often (especially her views on christian femininity), but when it comes to suffering, I think she is really worth listening to.
What I found most refreshing about these lectures is that Elliot avoids wallowing in any self pity, or qualifying who deserves more pity/who has suffered most. She hardly even satisfies our desire to denounce true suffering (like cancer or tragedy) as evil. She moves right along to teach on the importance of thanking God, obeying him, the privilege of suffering, persevering, “doing the next thing,” and ultimately how suffering forces us to yearn for a “better country.”
I do wish Elliot gave more comfort - her words don’t lean much into the tender heart the Lord has for those who mourn. If you are newly suffering, this book may be a bit too practical for you. But it certainly does straighten you out and provide comfort in a soldier-marching-on sort of way.
What I found most refreshing about these lectures is that Elliot avoids wallowing in any self pity, or qualifying who deserves more pity/who has suffered most. She hardly even satisfies our desire to denounce true suffering (like cancer or tragedy) as evil. She moves right along to teach on the importance of thanking God, obeying him, the privilege of suffering, persevering, “doing the next thing,” and ultimately how suffering forces us to yearn for a “better country.”
I do wish Elliot gave more comfort - her words don’t lean much into the tender heart the Lord has for those who mourn. If you are newly suffering, this book may be a bit too practical for you. But it certainly does straighten you out and provide comfort in a soldier-marching-on sort of way.
January 24, 2023
Perhaps one of the most helpful things from this book is simply her definition of suffering: “Suffering is having what you don’t want or wanting what you don’t have.”
January 30, 2023
A compilation of Elliot's speaking engagements, this is as usual profound and Biblically sound! Elliot endured more suffering than most of us ever well, but what a testimony she leaves us!
Listen to on audiobook via Hoopla
Listen to on audiobook via Hoopla
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